A six-figure grant has been awarded to an Aberdeen-based software firm to “revolutionise” how offshore energy companies use data collected at sea.
Digital twin technology experts Eserv will use the cash from the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) to develop a platform that can accept varying forms of subsea data and present it in one “user-friendly” location.
Such data can normally only be accessed by individual providers’ servers, hard drives, and proprietary systems.
The centralised dataset, which will be created during a 12-month research and development (R&D) project, will make the data more accessible and collaboration easier within the energy sector.
Eserv, a leading software-as-a-solution provider, supports operators to change how they design, build and maintain complex industrial plants through the application of a digital twin – a virtual model designed to accurately reflect a physical object.
It was selected by NZTC, an Aberdeen-based technology centre dedicated to reducing Scotland’s carbon emissions, to develop, create and commercialise this type of digital technology solution following a “rigorous selection process”.
Jeff Hailey, product and development manager at Eserv, said: “For years, valuable subsea information such as videogrammetry, photogrammetry, lidar and sonar data has been siloed within service providers servers, hard drives, and proprietary systems with very little ability for the operator or data owner to easily access, share and collaborate.
“With the support from Net Zero Technology Centre we are building a secure and data neutral subsea data application that will enable operators to take full control and visibility of their information, provide end users with 3D digital twin insights and transform the information flow to an automated and on-demand approach, removing difficult technical and commercial transactions between competing vendors and systems.”
Blair O’ Connor, project manager at the Net Zero Technology Centre, added: “Net Zero Technology Centre is delighted to be supporting Eserv with this project that will make subsea data more accessible and useful than ever before.
“The development will enable operators to take full control over their subsea data collection and make sense of the information to empower employees and associated service providers to collaborate in a more efficient way to streamline decisions, reduce costs and ultimately reduce carbon dioxide emissions through the reduction of offshore deployment of vessels, remotely operated vehicles, divers and helicopter flights for topside deployed inspection personnel.”